COLEOPTERA. 329 



over a large field, the air is filled with myriads of 

 Fire-flies sailing about in winding mazes, alternately 

 emitting and concealing their light, the scene is 

 one of indescribable beauty and radiance. 



The pretty little Lady -birds, (Coccinella,*) those 

 favourites of children, are confined in their food, 

 both in the larva and perfect states, to the Plant- 

 lice, (Aphides,) by devouring which they render us 

 a valuable service. When handled, a yellow creamy 

 fluid oozes from their bodies, which diffuses a rank 

 odour. Other Insects, of widely different families, 

 have a similar property, such as the Blister-beetles, 

 (Meloe,-\-) to which tribe belongs the .well-known and 

 useful Spanish-fly, (Cantharis^. Vesicatorius^) marked 

 by their broad head and soft flexible elytra. 



Thus are the innumerable hosts of these small 

 creatures arranged, and marshalled, and kept in 

 order by Him " who sitteth upon the circle of the 

 earth," assigning to each its proper station, and 

 feeding each with its proper food, so that there is 

 no lack, and no interference with each other ; thus, 

 " He openeth- His hand, and satisfieth the desire 



of EVERY LIVING THING." 



* Koxxaj, kokkos, scarlet colour, 

 f MaXsaj, meleos, dull, helpless (?). 

 j, kantharos, a beetle. 



